1. Using Waits, Loops and Switches
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2. Waits, Loops and Switches Pre-Quiz
1. In programming, what is a loop? When is a loop useful? 2. How can you control the duration for which a loop repeats? 3. In programming, what is a switch?
Center for Computational Neurobiology, University of Missouri

3. Waits, Loops and Switches Pre-Quiz
Answers
1. In programming, what is a loop? When is a loop useful? A loop is an operator that allows us to repeat a set of commands indefinitely. Loops are useful when you need to repeat a set of commands multiple times. 2. How can you control the duration for which a loop repeats? You can control how many times a loop repeats by clicking the dropdown arrow next to “Control” on the loop block and setting it to forever, time, sensor, count or logic. 3. In programming, what is a switch? In programming, a switch is an object that gives different commands depending on the state it is in.
Center for Computational Neurobiology, University of Missouri

4. Wait Block Activity
Objective: Combine wait blocks, loops and switches to perform a task
Do This: First, attach 2 touch sensors (name them A and B)
Then program the robot to perform the following task:
Stay at rest and display “Ready” on the screen.
Move left and display “Forward” whenever touch sensor 4 is pressed.
Move right and display “Reverse” whenever touch sensor 1 is pressed
Stay at rest and display “Stop” when no buttons are pressed.
***Hint: Click on the icon, drag the block into the program, and select “Text” from the dropdown menu to display text on screen.

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6. Wait Block Activity Solution
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Wait Block Activity Solution
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Wait Block Activity Solution
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Wait Block Activity Solution
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11. Waits, Loops and Switches Post-Quiz
1. In programming, what is a loop? When is a loop useful? 2. How can you control the duration for which a loop repeats? 3. In programming, what is a switch?
Center for Computational Neurobiology, University of Missouri

12. Waits, Loops and Switches Post-Quiz
Answers
1. In programming, what is a loop? When is a loop useful? A loop is an operator that allows us to repeat a set of commands indefinitely. Loops are useful when you need to repeat a set of commands multiple times. 2. How can you control the duration for which a loop repeats? You can control how many times a loop repeats by clicking the dropdown arrow next to “Control” on the loop block and setting it to forever, time, sensor, count or logic. 3. In programming, what is a switch? In programming, a switch is an object that gives different commands depending on the state it is in.
Center for Computational Neurobiology, University of Missouri

13. Vocabulary brainstorming: Thinking of ideas as a group.
iteration: Doing something again, especially with the intent to make improvements.
loop: An operator that repeats a set of commands.
switch: In programming, a switch is an object that gives different commands, depending on the state it is in.
Center for Computational Neurobiology, University of Missouri

14. Images Sources
Slides 1: wall switch drawing; source: Microsoft® clipart: us/images/results.aspx?qu=light+switch&ex=1#ai:MC |
Device and programming images from LEGO MINDSTORM NXT User’s Guide
Screen captures, diagrams and drawings by author
Center for Computational Neurobiology, University of Missouri